iWork4Him PowerThought

Have you ever encountered a salesperson that wouldn't stop pushing you to buy an item because they were on commission? It's obvious in these situations that the salesperson is more interested in reaching their numbers than about meeting the needs of the customer. They have become producers rather than servers. As followers of Christ, we can end up doing the same thing when we focus only on our output at work, rather than caring about the people at work. Philippians 2:4 says, "Let each of us look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Are you a producer? Or are you a server? Ask God how you can serve the people around you today – whether in your work, your home, or your neighborhood. Because you may be the only Jesus they ever meet.

Sacrifice. It's defined as surrender of something for the sake of something else. We are called to do it in our life as a Christ follower, just as He did. 1 Corinthians 13:3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing. What does love-based sacrifice look like in our workplace? .... We sacrifice pride, to choose what's best for the organization, over our own ideas. .... We sacrifice time, when we put a co-worker's needs before our own. .... We sacrifice "top sales numbers" to do what's best for the client, not our own paycheck. HOW are YOU willing to be sacrificial in your workplace this week?

Your work matters to God, and God has strategically placed you in your workplace to be his representative. But what exactly does it mean to be a representative of God? 1 John:4 says, that God IS love. So, when we genuinely love people, we are giving them a taste of who God is – it's as easy as that! Being a representative of God in the workplace doesn't mean that you need to be a pastor, an evangelist, or an apologist – all you need to do is love God and love the people around you with authenticity, transparency, and humility. So, when you go to work, remember that you have an opportunity to be a representative of God by showing care and respect to those around you. Pick one way this week to show your coworkers that you genuinely love them, and so does God!

65% of the population will never go into a four walls church – that means that over half of the people in the U.S. will never hear about Jesus from a pastor or dedicated ministry. BUT here's the good news: almost everyone will be employed during their lifetime, which makes the workplace one of the LARGEST mission fields in the world – a place where we, as ambassadors for Christ, are given free access to the lost and hurting! John 4:35 says, "Wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest… and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life." Are you treating your workplace like your mission field? If not, WAKE UP! The fields are ripe with people waiting to be brought to eternal life – and Jesus is asking you to be a part of the harvest.

Matthew 5:14-16 says, "You are the light of the world… No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." When you go to work, do you switch off your faith? Do you put your belief under a bowl? Or do you proudly display it, letting it shine so that others can see it? The thing is, nobody benefits from your light if it's hidden... no one even knows it's there! But when you let your light - your faith - shine proudly at work, every good deed and kind word will bring glory to God! These regular parts of your day, suddenly become opportunities to share the love of Christ with everyone around you.

How many times have we said to ourselves. "I wish I had time to go on a mission trip." Well guess what, you DO! Your workplace IS your mission field. Your daily commute IS your mission travel. And your workplace has been crafted perfectly by God, specifically tailored to you, and your giftings. We can all begin to view our workplace and every co-worker as "the mission". We can prepare, pray, plan and then serve our colleagues in the same way we would as if we hopped on a plane and flew to another country. Charles Spurgeon the Reformed preacher said "Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor." So which are YOU? What would it take for you to start tomorrow, to shift your mindset and intentionally serve your workplace as YOUR mission field?

Have you ever been afraid to share the gospel because you might not know all the answers? Well, here's the good news: we don't need to argue people into Christ, we just need to invite them to encounter Him! What a relief - God is the one who does the heavy lifting… not us! When you set out to simply do good, work with excellence, and love people… others will be drawn to the light of Christ inside of you naturally… like a moth to a flame. Matthew 5:6 says, "let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." So, remember today that by working with integrity and honoring those around you, you're INVITING them to encounter Christ… and it is Christ who will change and soften their hearts – the pressure is off!

The workplace is the largest mission field in the world, yet many Christ-followers don't engage in their calling as missionaries because they don't know how to share their faith at work. Fear around rejection, offending someone, or saying the wrong thing are just a few of the barriers that prevent believers from bringing the good news of the Gospel to their coworkers, employees, and clients. But here's a tip: the most effective way to share your faith is simply to share your own story. Jesus often spoke in stories, called parables, when he was teaching. Why? Because they are a relatable carrier for important truths! Your testimony is no different! When you talk about God's faithfulness in your life, you are sharing the Gospel. So, who can you share your story of faith with this week at work?

What is the first question someone asks you after an introduction? I'd be willing to bet that 9 times out of 10 its "So… What do you do for work?" That question may feel fine and dandy when you are in a high-powered position or working your dream job – but for most people it's uncomfortable to be instantly framed by their employment OR lack of employment. We live in a society that equates our value with our job title. But the TRUTH is that your identity is NEVER going to be found in the things you do or how impressive your resume is. Psalm 139: 14 says, "I give thanks to you God because I am awesomely and wonderfully made; wonderful are your works." So remember, your value and identity are based on the fact that God designed, made, and loves you… just as you are!

Have you ever felt stuck in a rut? Like all you do is go to work, come home, eat, and sleep, just to go back to work and do it all over again the next morning? This endless cycle can feel maddening! But did you know that God never intended for our work to be a burden? In fact, God gave Adam the job of caretaker of the world as a GIFT – as an opportunity to partner with Himself! And guess what? Jesus is extending the same gift to you today! When you dedicate your work to God, you become a partner with Him. Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." Jesus wants to take your daily work and make it so much more than toil! He wants to partner with you in the redemption of the world! Invite Jesus into your work today.

I almost finished a 500 piece puzzle the other day, but one piece was missing. I searched high and low but I couldn't find it anywhere. In the end, I couldn't complete the picture with just 499 pieces… I needed the last one. 1 Corinthians 12:27 says, "You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it." YOU are a part of the body of Christ and YOU bring something unique to this world - something only you can bring! Your skills, gifts, and passions help reveal who Jesus is to the world. But… if you aren't engaging, the puzzle is missing an essential piece and the picture is incomplete! God wants to use you, right where you are, to reflect Himself to your coworkers, bosses, friends and neighbors. Are you using your skills and gifts for the glory of Christ today?

When God created Adam, he didn't place him in the Garden of Eden for an extended vacation – No! God created A JOB for him. In Genesis 2 it says, "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to WORK it and TAKE CARE of it… and the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them..." Of course, God could've easily named the animals He created, but instead He CHOSE to invite Adam into the work He was doing. In the same way, God has created a job for you, and has invited you to work TOGETHER with Him in it! Because when we work in partnership with God, our jobs become more than just hustle… they become holy. How can you invite God into your work today?

A company we love, and one you may have heard of, called Dayspring, helps direct their branding by asking the question, "what do we want people to walk away feeling after they've encountered a Dayspring product?" Do we want them to feel seen, loved, or encouraged? And what can we do to make customers want to return after an encounter with our products? These kinds of branding questions aren't just for companies! 2 Corinthians 5:20 says that, "we are Christ's ambassadors and God is making his appeal through us." In other words, we are Christ's BRAND ambassadors! Take a moment and ask yourself the question: how well am I representing God's brand at work? When people encounter me, do they walk away feeling seen, loved, and encouraged? Think of one thing you can do today that will make those around you want to return to Christ.

One of my favorite topics on faith in the workplace is to delve into the legal rights of Christ followers at work. We have more rights than most Christians know. And these legal rights are extremely important for every Christ follower to be aware of. Whether you are an employee, in management or own a company or run a non-profit. WHY? We're losing ground in our rights, because WE, the people of faith, have been so silent. We are hiding our faith in the closet for fear of creating problems, of disruption or of retribution. We are putting our peace and comfort BEFORE our God. We are NOT called to comfort but to live as James 4:17 says: Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

Mission fields are EVERYWHERE – including apartment communities. Statistics show that 96% of those who live in apartments have no connection to a church. So, as a Christ follower, if you live in an apartment complex or work in one on-site, there's an opportunity to bring Christ to those that live there. Maybe you have Christian friends that live in an apartment. Would you be willing to share this idea with them? They have an amazing opportunity to start living INTENTIONALLY, loving on and caring for their neighbors. As we are all called to do wherever we live. 1 Corinthians 13:1 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. Are you ONLY a noisy gong or clanging cymbal where YOU live?

Every paycheck you've been putting a little away for retirement. But once that money enters your 401K, what happens to it? Well, usually it gets invested into a whole bunch of companies. But did you know that many of the companies you may be investing in are actually support activities that blatantly go against Scripture! Proverbs 16:8 warns against this by saying, "Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice." So, while you may be trying to steward your money well, you could actually be supporting businesses who work AGAINST everything you, and God, stand for! So, what can you do about it? Three words: Biblically. Responsible. Investing. Organizations like Inspire Investing can help you use your money to honor God and support companies whose values align with God's purposes. This week, take a look at where your money and investments are REALLY going.

What's your marriage got to do with your work? On the surface, nothing. But underneath, everything. Your home life always directly affects your mindset, your attention, attitude and perspective. When our marriage is unhappy, we are distracted, less productive, and typically less than 100%. Time invested in our spouse produces fruit. And that fruit sustains us and goes before us in every aspect of our family, life and work. Are you investing as much time and effort in your marriage as you are in your work? Rick Warren said: "The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now."

Have you ever looked at your current job and wondered, "how did I end up here?" The good news is, you didn't end up there on accident! God has strategically placed you exactly where you are for a REASON – to share the good news of Jesus Christ with your coworkers, employees, bosses, and clients! 2 Corinthians 5:20 says, "We are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us." So next time that you feel burnt out or bored with your job, remember that you are an ambassador for Christ – sent to your workplace to make an appeal on God's behalf! For He created your work, He ordained it, He orchestrated it, and He is the one who will sustain you in it. So, take heart! Your job isn't an accident…. It's an anointing.

Growing up, I lived in Minnesota. During spring, we had this phrase that, "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb" meaning it would start cold and snowy and transition gently into spring... but usually it was the opposite. "In like a frozen lamb and out like a roaring lion." Life can be like that too. The transition from cold winter period of our lives – in other words some dark and cold experiences - into a period of new life and growth and perhaps a new assignment can be trying... but God is with you. He has you right where He wants you and He is preparing you for something great. Your life - right where you are, right at your current job, is critical to God's plan for the redemption of this world. He is shaping you to be more effective. Embrace the cold, for spring is coming!

Priorities. .... Have you ever thought about if you're REALLY living your priorities? .... When's the last time you stopped and did an inventory of WHERE you're spending your time? .... Where we spend our time is the surest barometer of where our heart and priorities lie. Webster's defines priorities as something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives. As Christ followers, we're given our priorities by our Lord, not the world. .... Andy Stanley says it this way: "We don't drift in good directions. We discipline and prioritize ourselves there." Are YOU disciplining and prioritizing yourself in God's direction today? ....

When's the last time you checked in on your worldview? We invite you to re-calibrate your worldview BACK to a biblical worldview. There are 5 components involved: 1. your view of God, 2. Your view of creation or reality , 3. Your view of humanity, 4. Your view of moral order and 5. Your view of purpose. If each Christ follower woke up every day with their biblical worldview firmly set in their minds and hearts, we could change the world for Christ in a day (or maybe a week!). Romans 12:2 reminds us: Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Will you start TOMORROW with your biblical worldview ON?

I recently heard the phrase "mental load" for the first time. If you aren't familiar with it, "mental load" is the largely invisible work of noticing and remembering. For example: I need to schedule a dental cleaning; we are out of lightbulbs; and my kid needs snacks for soccer practice. In other words, It's the running list of everyday responsibilities that tend to fall on women to remember and carry out. The issue of mental Load can be especially applicable for career women or women with a side hustle as they try to carry out their duties at home and work. So, what can you do when your mental load is out of control? The biggest thing is to name it, explain it, and ask for help. Next time you're exhausted, articulate your mental load and ask for help!

There is a common phrase that many people, especially working moms use. It's "stretched too thin". In the shadow of that statement is the often ignored concept of "self-care". Many people have been taught growing up to put themselves last, after their spouse, children, their home and their work. So it's no wonder many of us fail to take care of anything having to do with our own health and well-being. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. The word of God says we are to care for ourselves, so we can THEN care for others. What will you do today, this week, to take better care of yourself?

I heard an outrageous comment from a partner of a Christian farm equipment company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He said "Common sense has NO PLACE in the life of a spirit-led follower of Christ." Here's what I think he meant. When we are attuned to the Holy Spirit, what He guides us to do in the moment often seems contrary to what we think of as "logical", And that reminded me that Christ's actions were "counter-cultural" meaning: a set of attitudes opposed to the prevailing social norm. And if Christ is counter-cultural, then we should be too. We should look different, .... smell different ...., think different, .... act different. .... 2 How will YOU be a counter-cultural spirit-led follower of Christ in YOUR WORKPLACE today?

James 4:17 says Remember, it is a sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. This is so important, let's hear it again. Remember, it is a sin to know WHAT you ought to do and then NOT DO IT. When you are MOVED at work during the day, by hearing about or seeing an injustice, do you pray and ask the Lord what He would have you do? .... Or do you just shrug it off and ignore it? The only way we, the body of Christ, will win people for Christ is for each of us to respond and DO our part. And that includes standing against injustice EVERYWHERE we are, including our workplace. .... What will YOU do today, when you see an injustice at work?

There's a new diversity in town: GENERATIONAL diversity. .... While it's not "new", it's "new" because we are now shining a light on it, naming it, and weighing the pros and cons of it. Of what it means in our work relationships, and in our organizations. How DO we take this reality and use it to build the body of Christ where we work? .... By respecting each other's differences, and seeing the benefit of every generation and their unique perspectives and contributions. As Paul wrote in Ephesians: But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. .... Where do you need to shine the light on generational diversity in YOUR workplace today?

It's a fact that love is spelled T.I.M.E. .... In today's workplace, we can get so caught up in the fast pace that we forget that as Christ followers, we're to be mindful and intentional with every task, and every person. How DO you slow down during the workday? One good way is to STOP multitasking, and focus your FULL attention on each task and conversation at a time. Another great way is to use a Prayer Prompter app on your phone that can remind you to: pray, give thanks, to ask for wisdom and discernment, and to be AWARE of the needs around you. We are called to LOVE our neighbors (which are our co-workers). How well are YOU showing love to YOUR co-workers with YOUR TIME?

In today's culture, respect for our elders and wisdom, has been replaced by idolizing youth and outward appearances. As Christians, we believe that ALL human beings are created by God in His image. Therefore every person has inherent dignity and creator-ordained worth. To be created in the likeness of God means that each person bears His image and with it, a value beyond our unique characteristics or individual attributes. Do you treat ALL people at work with the same respect? Do you say hello, and look into the eyes of the janitor or the server at lunch? The FedEx guy? Do you know their names? We challenge you this week to treat everyone you meet with the dignity and respect you previously reserved for only those "who merit it."

A guy named David Foster Wallace once said, "Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship." Now Wallace may have had a lot of things wrong, but he had this right… every day – you and me and every other person on this earth - worships something. We worship whatever it is that absorbs our heart, imagination, and mind to such an extent that it gains PRIORITY over everything else. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Everything that we do in our day to day lives can be an act of worship to God when He is our number one priority – even work! Would you say you're using your work to worship God? Or have you slipped into worshiping your work?

What does it take to transform a city? One answer is "a city movement". When a city brings together the isolated segments of government, clergy, companies, and non-profits, a PROFOUND shift occurs. The power of the body of Christ is unleashed into every area of the city. The light of Christ shines and exposes that which is hidden and a city is miraculously transformed. It reminds me of what JFK used to often say: "The rising tide lifts all the boats." This is biblical collaboration at its ultimate expression. Ecclesiastes 4:12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. What's your workplace doing to transform YOUR city?

A businessman and book author recently told me: In my search for leadership knowledge, I kept coming back to the Bible and realized that Proverbs is a practical business book. I don't need much more. The Bible IS a source of wise counsel for us in all aspects of our life and that includes our work. .... Many Kingdom workplace leaders hold to the belief that the Bible is THE BEST BUSINESS BOOK ever written. Psalms provides wisdom during challenges, to give words to our lamenting and petitions to the Lord. The leaders in the bible, such as Moses, Deborah, Abraham and Queen Esther, provide real examples of what it looks like to BE a Godly leader. When's the last time YOU went to THE WORD for business wisdom?

We have heard it said from just about every Kingdom company we have interviewed that it is all about relationship. That putting people first makes all the difference in the health of their business. This concept is contrary to how the world has taught us to do it. But we have heard and seen in these Kingdom companies, that when you put people first before profits, the profits will follow. That is a heavenly model of doing business, vs. a worldly one. This proves out the words of Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. What will you do today, to implement this Kingdom model of doing business?

I recently heard a new term for a business where the leader is a Christ follower. He called his business a "for-profit ministry". That was dad's term for their family business, a junkyard of all places. He had a holistic approach to it. Yes, he was a businessman, who was committed to turning a profit. AND, He saw it as an opportunity to help people by giving them a job, and helping them anyway he could…like sending their children to college. There was an intentionality of bringing Christ with him to the junkyard every day. As James 4:17 exhorts us: So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. What about your mindset? We invite you to try on the "for-profit ministry mindset" today, and see what happens!

When I graduated from high school, I had my life all planned out. For years I had felt God calling me into ministry, so naturally I planned to attend Seminary…. But then God asked me to take a right turn in my vocation - He asked me to go into business. At the time I didn't understand how I could feel called to ministry AND the marketplace, but today I can look back and see that all those years WERE ministry and that he was laying the groundwork for iWork4Him. Isaiah 55:8 says, "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts…And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." We don't have the big picture, but GOD DOES! So, how about you? Are you saying NO or NEVER to something that God is asking you to consider? Try removing the word NEVER from your prayer life – and see what God does.

1 Corinthians 6:19 says, "do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is IN YOU, whom you have received from God?" Whoa! Think about that for a moment: the Holy Spirit… the very presence of God… lives INSIDE of our bodies! How crazy is THAT! The God of the universe has taken up residence inside of us, where He not only guides us as a wise counselor but also intercedes on our behalf and empowers us to carry out the good works that prepared in advance for us. If God lives in us, and works through us, then it makes sense that our lives should demand a supernatural explanation! Are you living life in your own power or in God's power? Take a moment today and pray that the Holy Spirit would do something through you that you couldn't possibly do on your own! – something that demands a supernatural explanation.

Why is it that the grass always looks greener on the other side? Well, in today's world it's because the grass probably has a photo filter on it! Did you know that the average person spends two and a half hours scrolling through social media per day?! That's more time than it takes to workout, make dinner, and clean the house! This constant access to the edited highlights of our friends' and coworkers' lives leads us to compare, compare, compare. But Proverbs 4:27 says, "Do not turn to the right or the left, keep your foot from evil." PAUSE. Looking too much at the filtered lives of those around us can lead to jealousy, discontentment, resentment, and envy. PAUSE So, instead of going on your phone or tablet and comparing your life to your neighbors' vacation photos, take a moment today to stop and thank God for the blessings in your own life!

Chuck Proudfit -- founder of the ministry At Work on Purpose -- told us on a recent show, "to start thinking like a journalist..." What does that mean? And what exactly do journalists do? Well, they find where the story is, and then they join it! And like journalists, we, as Christ-followers, have the opportunity to find what God is doing and join him! Ephesians 2:10 in the Message Translation says, "God creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing." Are you a spiritual journalist - seeking out God's story? Take a moment today and ask the LORD what he is up to in your office, in your home, or in your neighborhood. Then pray about how you how you can join in His good works!

As Christ-followers, our witness can become compromised when we act or speak out of a place of anger and frustration that leads us to wrongfully blame, shame, or hurt someone else. Romans 12:2 says, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you THINK. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." But how do we change the way we think when we are cut off in traffic, passed over for a promotion, or hurt by someone's words? Ford Taylor from Transformational Leadership suggests this practice: when you're angry, pause and write down your thoughts. Then, write next to them what kind of thoughts God wants you to have for the situation or person. This puts GOD back in control rather than your circumstances or the people around you.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Life is full of seasons and activities. With so many things begging for our attention, how do we find balance? Dave Zillig from Equilibrium breaks it down into five core areas that must be healthy for our lives to truly thrive. The fifth of which is Finances, and it's no surprise it made the list. Money is mentioned in the Bible more than 800 times! Why? Because it can be used for good and is also a source of temptation and sin. Mismanaging or seeking after money can cause all sorts of issues in EVERY area of life. BUT healthy money management is spoken about in Scripture as part of being a good steward of your resources. What role does money play in your life? Is it an idol? Or a resource for the Kingdom of God?

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Life is full of seasons and activities. With so many things begging for our attention, how do we find balance? Dave Zillig from Equilibrium breaks it down into five core areas that must be healthy for our lives to truly thrive. The fourth of which is Fitness. In 1 Corinthians Paul writes that our bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit within us and thus are precious. What does that mean? That we should take care of ourselves by eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Because when we care for our physical body – our whole life benefits. Are you taking care of your temple OR are you treating it like it's disposable? Think of one healthy habit to incorporate into your work week!

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Life is full of seasons and activities. With so many things begging for our attention, how do we find balance? Dave Zillig from Equilibrium breaks it down into five core areas that must be healthy for our lives to truly thrive. The third of which is Friends. God designed us to function within a community of people, and friendships are an integral part of that. Even Jesus had friends, 12 of them! The Psalmist wrote that a good friend is more precious than gold – and it's true - good friends are hard to find! And sometimes being a good friend is just as hard! Do you take the time to invest in and pray for friends? How about to befriend and pray for your coworkers? Take time to be a good friend this week.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Life is full of seasons and activities. With so many things begging for our attention, how do we find balance? Dave Zillig from Equilibrium breaks it down into five core areas that must be healthy for our lives to truly thrive. The second of which is Family. Because here is the thing - true success starts in the home. Having strong relationships with your spouse, your children, your parents, and your siblings is a part of God's particular calling on your life. While your earthly work, money, and success will pass away, your family is made up of eternal souls – souls that God has given you to help shepherd and grow. Is your family a priority? Take time to show them this week.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Life is full of seasons and activities. With so many things begging for our attention, how do we find balance? Dave Zillig from Equilibrium breaks it down into five core areas that must be healthy for our lives to truly thrive. The first of which is Faith… and there's a reason that Faith is first– because when it isn't, EVERYTHING else in life will be out of balance. Our number one priority – before marriage, family, or work - has to be Jesus or every area suffers. Matthew chapter 6 says, "But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." What are you seeking first? Take stock this week on where Jesus falls in your priorities, and then move him to the top!

Have you ever worked for a company or organization with a toxic workplace culture – the kind that not only made it unpleasant for the employees but also for customers and clients? On the flipside, have you ever worked for a place where the culture was so positive that employees stayed for years and customers and clients became friends and partners? Dee Ann Turner, an expert on stewarding talent, says that "culture is the soul of the organization." And incredible culture is built through core values that are demonstrated – not just stated. Like the old adage says: actions speak louder than words. As Christ-followers we already have a given set of core values! BUT are you demonstrating those core values at work? Remember, the WAY that you work is equally as influential to your testimony as what you say you believe!

Have you ever worked for a company or organization with a toxic workplace culture – the kind that not only made it unpleasant for the employees but also for customers and clients? On the flipside, have you ever worked for a place where the culture was so positive that employees stayed for years and customers and clients became friends and partners? Dee Ann Turner, an expert on stewarding talent, says that "culture is the soul of the organization." And incredible culture is fostered by a sense of purpose. In other words, a healthy workplace culture requires a "why." Why do we go to work? Why do we do what we do? And what value is it to the people we are doing it for? As Christ-followers we already have a purpose, no matter what job or position we hold! Our purpose is to share Jesus with the world – including the people we work with!

Have you ever worked for a company or organization with a toxic workplace culture – the kind that not only made it unpleasant for the employees but also for customers and clients? On the flipside, have you ever worked for a place where the culture was so positive that employees stayed for years and customers and clients became friends and partners? Dee Ann Turner, an expert on stewarding talent, says that "culture is the soul of the organization." And incredible culture is built through a challenging mission. This is the "what." What are we trying to achieve? What is the end goal? Whatever the mission of our current team or department, we also have an ultimate mission as Christ-followers! God has commissioned us to bring the lost and hurting to Him – including your bosses, coworkers, and employees. How are you living out your God-given mission at work?

Have you ever worked for a company or organization with a toxic workplace culture – the kind that not only made it unpleasant for the employees but also for customers and clients? On the flipside, have you ever worked for a place where the culture was so positive that employees stayed for years and customers and clients became friends and partners? Dee Ann Turner, an expert on stewarding talent, says that "culture is the soul of the organization." And incredible culture begins with individual care of those within the organization. One way to begin caring for the people you work with is to start simply praying for them by name. When you pray for someone, God changes your heart TOWARDS them and opens the door for you to show His love TO them. I challenge you to pray for your coworkers, employees, and bosses by name this week – it'll change everything.

Have you ever worked for a company or organization with a toxic workplace culture – the kind that not only made it unpleasant for the employees but also for customers and clients? On the flipside, have you ever worked for a place where the culture was so positive that employees stayed for years and customers and clients became friends and partners? Dee Ann Turner, an expert on stewarding talent, says that "culture is the soul of the organization." What does the soul of your current workplace look like and how can you become a force for positive change within it? If you're a manager, CEO, or leader – think of ways to foster a Christ-like culture in your area of impact. If you're an employee – think of one way to be a positive light to your coworkers and clients today.

Do you want God to unlock His purpose for you in your work? As you execute the first 4 steps of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant: Praying for, serving, befriending, and praying with others, remember your work behavior is important. The final step of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant is to be someone of excellence in your work. Be the best and brightest example of a worker in your workplace position. Excellence makes your behavior believable and your faith real. Excellence gives you a platform for sharing your faith. As a Jesus Follower, everything about us should be changing, and everyone around you should be benefiting from your faith, whether they believe in Jesus yet, or not. Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

Does God care for the people you work with? Of course, He does. In step 4 of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant, look for opportunities to pray with others. When you continually work alongside the same people, you know their typical manners and facial expressions. When you notice someone having an off day, ask them, "How are you doing?" when they say "I'm Fine," keep asking, " No really, how are you doing? I noticed you looked a little down today" then wait and be QUIET. When they have shared what is on their heart, ask, "Can I pray with you about that, right now?" I have never had someone say "No" when I followed these steps. Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." When you pray, you are opening the door for them to meet your savior.